The Penola Amateur Swim Club celebrated the addition of new lane ropes to their swimming pool.
The shiny new lane ropes are customised with the Penola Amateur Swim Club’s colours and a new caddy for the ropes was also purchased.
Donors who contributed to the purchase of the lane ropes included $7000 from OneFortyOne, a $2000 Wattle Range Council Community Grant, $500 from the Riddoch Business and Community Association (RBCA) and a $1500 State Government Active Sports Grant.
The Penola and Districts Community Bank also has continued sponsorship towards club uniform and equipment.
Penola Amateur Swim Club committee member Sarah Kidman said the club was excited to receive the generous donations.
“We are very grateful for the community support, we have been working for several years to try and raise the money to buy the new lane ropes, they were very old, no one can remember how old they are, so 20-plus years old,” Ms Kidman said.
“We now have safe, smooth lane ropes where swimmers and the pool user groups are able to safely engage in water activities.”
Ms Kidman said the swim club’s reach was extensive and supported, with people coming from around the region such as Naracoorte, Kangaroo Inn and western Victoria to use the facility.
“It is just nice that so many different user groups are able to benefit from them,” she said.
“The schools use them, the other swim clubs were using the pool and the facilities especially when Mount Gambier was being developed, we have got private swim lessons that use them.
“On the hot days when we need to divide the public from the private lessons they get used and we are enjoying using them for our trainings and our carnivals which we host here at Penola during the swim season.
“It is a wonderful committee effort and fundraising effort and support from the community.”
Wattle Range Mayor Des Noll was pleased to present the $2000 donation to the Penola Amateur Swim Club on behalf of Wattle Range Council.
“It is fantastic, the contribution from the community, the contribution from the Wattle Range Council of $2000,” Mayor Noll said.
“But what supports it and what the investment into this community, into this swimming pool, is just simply amazing because it is a connection into the community.
“With OneFortyOne investing, with the Riddoch Business Association supporting it and everybody’s involvement, that is what builds communities.
“We look forward to participating into the future in the continued maintenance and working with the pool committee and consulting with them and making sure they have got a positive direction and we are supporting them in that direction.
“Because it is bigger than just Coonawarra and Penola, they have young people and families coming from elsewhere in the council area.
“So we have got to continue the investment in making the facility safe and active for young people.”
Riddoch Business and Community Association’s Anna Young said the pool was utilised by all ages across the community and it was fabulous to see the community working together.
“We’re very proud to support the Penola Swimming Club, to help buy the new lane ropes – supporting the club and other community groups, through our Community Grant assistance,” Ms Young said.
Penola Amateur Swim Club committee member Kinta Wilson said swimming was a wonderful fitness activity for kids and adults alike and new members were always welcome.
